Varsity Insiderhttp://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider
A look at the South Jersey high school sports scene that goes beyond the Xs and Os with analysis and information you won't find in the boxscore.Sun, 04 May 2014 18:53:18 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.1courierpost-blogs/varsityinsiderhttps://feedburner.google.comBaseball: Diamond Classichttp://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/05/04/baseball-diamond-classic-2/
http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/05/04/baseball-diamond-classic-2/#commentsSun, 04 May 2014 18:53:18 +0000http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/?p=10055Official pairings for the 41st Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic will be released at 6 p.m.

Tyler Phillips picked up the win in relief after Hagenman went the first five innings for the Crusaders, No. 2 in the Courier-Post Top 15. Alex Hull worked the seventh to earn the save.

Dan Marano’s bases-loaded walk in the top of the seventh pushed across the winning run. Hagenman, Devin Smeltzer and Ryan DiMeo each doubled for the winners.

Austin Polidoro had a double for the No. 11 Green Wave.

In the consolation, Triton collected 21 hits in a 19-8 win over Riverside. Pat Ryder went 4-for-4 with four runs scored and six RBIs. Dante Liccketto had four hits and scored five, while John DeLuca and Duane Stevens each added three hits.

Rohrer Tournament

Cinnaminson, No. 14 in the C-P Top 15, defeated host Haddon Townshop 14-7 to win the Rohrer Tournament title. Tournament MVP Christian DeLuca went 6-for-7 over two games with six RBIs, two doubles and a home run.

Ryan Hanratty worked five innings to record the win. DeLuca, Travis Pewor, Eddie Gore, Nick Thevanayagam, Adam Berenato and Chris Pawlikowski each doubled for the Pirates.

DeLuca had a grand slam to center field in the fourth. Nick Marino had a two-run homer for the Hawks in the loss.

In the consolation, St. Joseph defeated Maple Shade 10-2.

Follow Kevin Minnick on Twitter @cp_varsity

]]>http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/06/baseball-eustace-cinnaminson-win-titles/feed/3Baseball: Smeltzer, Eustace blank Irishhttp://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/03/baseball-smeltzer-eustace-blank-irish/
http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/03/baseball-smeltzer-eustace-blank-irish/#commentsFri, 04 Apr 2014 00:41:30 +0000http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/?p=10050Continue reading →]]>PENNSAUKEN - The professional scouts were there to see him pitch, and will be all season.

They had radar guns and video cameras. Better than a dozen behind the backstop and down the lines took plenty of notes.

While only going four innings Thursday, Devin Smeltzer didn’t disappoint.

A senior left-hander, Smeltzer struck out six, walked two and didn’t allow a hit as the Bishop Eustace Prep baseball team blanked rival Camden Catholic 3-0 in an Olympic Conference National Division game.

“I was ready to go,” he said. “I know I always have (catcher) Johnny (Panchella) and the guys behind me. I’m feeling strong and worked hard all offseason.”

A Florida Gulf Coast recruit and widely recognized as one the top pitchers in the country, Smeltzer struck out two batters in each of the first three innings. He needed just seven pitches to retire Camden Catholic’s first two hitters of the game.

Not too bad for someone who threw just three innings during the preseason.

“For him to come out and be as efficient as he was and give us four innings, we were just tickled pink with that,” Bishop Eustace coach Sam Tropiano said.

“Every time I was slotted to throw, we got rain,” Smelzter said. “This was my first big outing and I was happy with what we got. It was a big team win. We need to keep it rolling.”

Tyler Phillips picked up the save with three-innings of two-hit ball for Bishop Eustace (2-0), No. 2 in the Courier-Post Top 15.

“We’re just trying to get better every day,” Tropiano added. “I’m glad we had a real good opponent give us a real good game.

“There are so many great teams this year, and so many great pitchers. You’re going to face a quality pitcher almost every time. It was a good day for us.”

Mike Krusinski, who’s headed to Delaware, put the Crusaders up for good with a first-inning home run to right-center field.

“I always keep it simple – just see the ball and hit the ball,” said Krusinski, who led the Crusaders with five homers last season. “I feel real relaxed in the batter’s box and have started off strong. It feels good.”

Chris Jones and Dan Marano each went 2-for-3, with Jones giving Bishop Eustace a 2-0 lead on an RBI single in the fifth.

Camden Catholic (1-1) didn’t pick up its first hit until senior Joey Craig collected a two-out single to left in the sixth inning. Christian Bilan had the only other hit for the Irish, a single to open the seventh.

“With the preseason we had in New Jersey, pitchers are going to be that much ahead of the hitters,” Irish coach Bob Bergholtz said. “You give credit to Devin. He threw strikes. We put some good swings on him but just couldn’t find any holes to get through. At this stage of the season, pitchers are going to have the advantage, and he had it today.

“I have high expectations for this team and I’m disappointed with today. We had an opportunity to make a statement and get positioned where we think we should be, but we know that’s a good ballclub.”

Follow Kevin Minnick on Twitter @cp_varsity

]]>http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/03/baseball-smeltzer-eustace-blank-irish/feed/3Baseball: Murphy, GC top Cumberlandhttp://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/01/baseball-murphy-gc-top-cumberland/
http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/01/baseball-murphy-gc-top-cumberland/#commentsWed, 02 Apr 2014 02:28:56 +0000http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/?p=10047Continue reading →]]>BROOKLAWN - Aside from a shaky seventh inning by a couple of new pitchers, it was business as usual for the Gloucester Catholic High School baseball team.

In search of its fifth straight state championship, the top-ranked Rams were on their game early in Tuesday’s season opener against Cumberland. They got solid pitching, timely offense and took advantage of their opponent’s mistakes.

Anxious to finally play a game? Yes.

Nervous to take the field with another season of high expectations? Definitely not.

“There’s really no need to be nervous with the team that we have,” said junior John Murphy, who pitched six scoreless innings in a 7-5 Tri-County Conference Diamond Division victory.

“Like every year, people are always trying to bring us down. We just want to prove everyone wrong; still prove that we’re No. 1 in South Jersey and New Jersey. We want to get it out of everyone’s mind. We were just ready all around today.”

Murphy struck out eight and allowed one hit, a fourth-inning double to Fred Beck. He was the only Colt to get into scoring position with Murphy on the mound as the right-hander benefitted from two inning-ending double plays and a pickoff.

“He comes out and throws strikes,” Gloucester Catholic coach Mike Rucci said. “He has a presence and command out there.

“He looked great in our scrimmages. What’s awesome is that with (Mike) Shawaryn gone, he knows that he’s the guy. He’s already said he wants the ball as often as he can. He doesn’t care about the rest. He wants the ball in any big game we have. To have a guy that just asks for the ball is tremendous. And to give John Murphy the ball makes your job a lot easier.”

A Maryland recruit, Murphy was an All-South Jersey selection last season. He went 8-1 with a 0.61 ERA as the Rams won their second straight Non-Public A state title.

The Rams, No. 1 in the Courier-Post Top 15, gave their ace a 4-0 lead after one inning and extended it to 5-0 in the second. Anthony Harrold had a two-run single in the first and Phil Dickinson scored on a wild pitch in the second to highlight the early outburst.

“When you get runs in the first two innings, it takes a load off the pitcher’s shoulders,” Murphy said.

The Rams’ emotional leader, Dickinson went 2-for-3 with a double, RBI triple and three runs scored. He also reached base on a walk in the sixth.

“He’s what you want in a senior leader,” Rucci said. “It was good to see him get off to a good start and hopefully he keeps the ball rolling.”

Dickinson was pleased to see the Rams come out ready to play, something that they lacked at times during the preseason.

“We had trouble in some scrimmages but realized as we came down to game time that we needed to settle in, focus and do what we do best,” he said. “That’s what we did today.

“Our intensity wasn’t there in some games. We came out in the first inning today and were in the game. We were ready for today’s game.”

With five games scheduled this week, Rucci was pleased to see his team get off to a strong start.

“On days like today, you have to take advantage and see what you really have,” he said. “It’s definitely important for us to get off to a good start.”

Follow Kevin Minnick on Twitter @cp_varsity

]]>http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/04/01/baseball-murphy-gc-top-cumberland/feed/6Baseball: Preseason Top 15http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/31/baseball-preseason-top-15/
http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/31/baseball-preseason-top-15/#commentsTue, 01 Apr 2014 00:30:07 +0000http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/?p=10039Continue reading →]]>1. Gloucester Catholic (Last year: 29-5; Final ranking: 2): With six returning starters and 15 letter winners – led by standout pitchers John Murphy and Tyler Mondile, as well as All-South Jersey infielder Phil Dickinson - the Rams are in search of their fifth straight state title. The core of this group is coming off an American Legion national championship and has all the ingredients to take another major ride.

2. Bishop Eustace (22-8; 5): Led by All-S.J. pitcher Devin Smeltzer, the Crusaders return seven starters among 18 letter winners. They are loaded with experience and certainly have enough firepower on the hill and at the plate to be a major force. Chris Jones, Justin Hagenman and Nick Browne should pace the offensive attack.

3. Northern Burlington (22-5; 8): Expectations are off the charts for the Greyhounds, who return nine starters from last year’s C.J. Group 3 title team. Pitt signee Zack Gakeler anchors a deep pitching staff, while All-S.J. outfielder Ryan Shinn had eight homers a year ago. This could be best team in recent memory.

4. St. Augustine (22-7; 3): The Hermits will feature a deep pitching staff with North Carolina signee Joe Gatto and Tulane recruit Zach Warren giving the team a solid 1-2 punch. As long as a host of newcomers step up and perform early, they should be in decent shape.

5.Burlington Twp. (16-8; 7): The defending S.J. Group 3 champions return seven starters – including five juniors - giving the Falcons a solid nucleus on which to build. Depth could be an issue but this group believes it belongs. Look for big things from four-year starter Aaron Crichlow on the hill and at the plate.

6.Haddonfield (11-16; NR): With the return of nine starters – led by seniors Mike McLaughlin and Virginia signee Matt Ostbye - the Bulldawgs should be one of the region’s most improved teams. McLaughlin already has over 100 career hits, while Ostbye is a 6-5 RHP looking to put an injury-plagued season in the past.

7.Washington Twp. (23-6; 4): The defending Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic champions return six starters and will lean on its pitching depth in hopes of remaining among the region’s elite. All S.J. right-hander Mark Scarpa anchors the staff, while Justin Sommermann is coming off a breakout season at the plate.

8. Hammonton (11-13; NR): The Blue Devils will be one of the area’s most experienced teams with 10 returning starters. They have a deep pitching staff and are expected to possess a balanced offensive attack, led by seniors L.T. Struble, Nick Ezzi, Justin Smith and Shane Guyer.

9. Cherokee (9-17; NR): The Chiefs are coming off a rough year but are capable of making some noise. They return a host of athletic performers including three-year starter Jake Powell (1B/P) as well as New Orleans signee Matt Rykaczewski (C/DH), Marshall recruit Max Joseph (INF/C/DH) and Lehigh signee Frank Rosetti (RHP).

10. Moorestown (17-9; NR): Like a lot of others, pitching depth should keep the Quakers in most games. Delaware recruit Scott Zimmer (6-foot-7, 275 pounds) is coming off a solid season and will be their No. 1. The team returns five starters among 10 letter winners, including Rider recruit Dallas Clark (OF).

11. Audubon (20-5; NR): While the Green Wave may be inexperienced in some spots, six returning starters and quality pitching will keep this team in the conversation. Eric Schorr (P/OF) hit .348 with 27 runs scored, while juniors Wayne Test and Austin Tassi combined to go 11-3.

12. Sterling (17-8; NR): The Silver Knights return just four starters but will have senior Donovan Casey on the hill. The righty went 7-1 with a 0.11 ERA and brings a 41-inning scoreless streak into the season. Getting out of the gate quickly will be the key to any success.

13.Cherry Hill East (8-14; NR): The Cougars lost six one-run games last season and will look to turn things around with a host of returning starters. They have a solid 1-2 on the hill in righty Nick DiEva (Stony Brook) and lefty Mike Brambilla (Monmouth), while the offensive attack should be improved.

14. Cinnaminson (22-9; 6): The defending Group 2 state champions don’t have the same pitching depth as a year ago, but the Pirates do return 12 letter winners who know how to win. Seniors Christian DeLuca (CF) and Cody MacNair (C) bring a veteran presence to a team that expects to compete with anyone.

15.Pennsville (23-4; NR): The Eagles return a strong senior class, led by Eric Lankenau (OF) and Drew Burdsall (SS). Lankenau came on strong at the end of the year, hitting six homers in his last six games. This program is always competitive and certainly has enough in its tank to contend in S.J. Group 1.

Joey Craig, Camden Catholic, Sr., SS: First team All-S.J. … Batted .385 last season … Signed with Monmouth.

Aaron Crichlow, BurlingtonTwp., Sr., OF/P: Batted .371 with four doubles, one homer and 23 RBIs … Has 74 career hits … Went 3-1 with one save, 54 strikeouts and 2.33 ERA … Will attend Harford Community College in Maryland.

Jason Davis, Bridgeton, Sr., OF: Only player to start all 26 games last season … Leadoff hitter who led Bulldogs in runs scored (24), walks (19), stolen bases (15) and on-base percentage (.402).

Ethan Francis, Schalick, Sr., C: Very strong behind the plate and with bat … Expected to be key contributor after solid junior season.

Zach Gakeler, N. Burlington, Sr., P: Second team All-S.J. … 9-1 last season … Hard-throwing lefty … Signed with Pittsburgh.

Joe Gatto, St. Augustine, Sr., P: Considered one of the nation’s premier high school pitchers … Went 5-3 with 52 strikeouts and 2.35 ERA last season … Drawing significant attention from MLB scouts … Signed with North Carolina.

Devin Smeltzer, Bishop Eustace, Sr., P: First team All-S.J. … Went 8-3 with nine complete games … 1.38 ERA and 109 strikeouts … Considered one of nation’s top high school pitchers … Drawing significant MLB interest … Signed with Florida Gulf Coast.

Gatto took the loss in a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Gloucester Catholic in the Non-Public A South final. While some would put the result in the deepest part of their mind, the North Carolina recruit uses it as motivation.

“After about two weeks, I used that to fuel me and I had one of my best outings of the summer,” Gatto said. “I’ll definitely use that as a spark this season.

“We have a tough schedule. Using any kind of fire to get motivated is a good thing.”

Gatto will have plenty of motivation as he takes the hill for his final high school season. He’s widely considered among the nation’s top players, a potential early-round selection in June’s amateur draft.

There will be plenty of scouts in attendance every time he pitches; guys with radar guns in one hand, notebooks in the other and a pen tucked behind their ear. With a fastball that touches the low 90s, a curveball and change-up, and unlimited potential for growth, the Hammonton resident burst upon the national scene early last June and is clearly on everyone’s radar.

“I’ve definitely never been more excited for a baseball season in my life,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for me and for the team.

“I want to have fun and enjoy my last season of high school baseball, but I also have the mindset that I want to win. I have to be high-spirited and go in and not let the little things distract me. I have to keep my head on straight, just keep doing what I’ve been doing and enjoy the time.”

St. Augustine is expected to be one of South Jersey’s elite. The Hermits come into this spring at No. 4 in the Courier-Post Top 15 and are scheduled to host Atlantic City in their season opener Tuesday.

They feature a dynamic 1-2 punch on the mound with Gatto and Tulane recruit Zach Warren.

But it is Gatto who will be under the brightest spotlight, the one who will be scrutinized every time he delivers a pitch.

Prep coach Mike Bylone knows his right-hander will be the center of attention. He receives calls and texts quite frequently regarding Gatto’s progress, when he’s scheduled to pitch and the like.

He believes Gatto is ready to handle what lies ahead.

“He keeps it in perspective and knows what he has to do and what he wants to do,” Bylone said. “He’s been playing varsity since he was a sophomore and has always had the same mentality.

“It’s easy for kids to get caught up in all this stuff, but he’s really put his nose to the grindstone and knows what the task is ahead. What’s been most impressive to me is just how grounded he’s been.”

Gatto went 5-3 with 52 strikeouts and a 2.35 ERA last season. The stats don’t jump out as someone possibly destined for professional baseball, but numbers can be deceiving.

“He pitched into some tough luck and had some tough losses,” Bylone noted. “He had a couple of no-decisions and pitched against some very good teams. He actually pitched very well last year.”

It’s what he did during the summer that made the biggest impact.

Gatto participated in a host of showcase events, highlighted by his selection to the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park in San Diego and the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Quality outings led to his rising stock.

“I was under the radar,” he said. “I’m fortunate I was able to do what I did. I kind of came on late.

“I always dreamed about things like this. I was excited to get the exposure, to play in the games. I was definitely more excited than anything.”

Gatto was named a third team preseason All-American by Baseball America and its No. 29 overall player in the country. He’s No. 46 by Perfect Game and the top-ranked pitcher in New Jersey.

That success has the 6-foot-5, 215-pounder on the verge of fulfilling every kid’s dream.

“He’s got to the national level,” Bylone said. “To get to that point, he’s played in front of a lot of schools and a lot of scouts. He did well when it matter and that’s the name of the game.

“He’s a complete player and is going to be an important part of our team and our offense as well. He has tremendous upside and is a good kid from a good family. He’s had the right training and has gone about everything the right way.”

Follow Kevin Minnick on Twitter @cp_varsity

]]>http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/31/baseball-joe-gatto-poised-for-success/feed/9Baseball: Preseason All-South Jerseyhttp://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/30/baseball-preseason-all-south-jersey/
http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/30/baseball-preseason-all-south-jersey/#commentsSun, 30 Mar 2014 23:15:18 +0000http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/?p=10034Continue reading →]]>With the start of the baseball season on the radar, here's our Preseason All-South Jersey first and second teams.

Lee Ware (right) talks strategy with longtime assistant and former player Dan Keller during a recent scrimmage

Sporting a vintage 1972 wool jacket that has seen its better days, veteran baseball coach Lee Ware paced in and out of the dugout.

On the brink of another season, the longtime coach was very much into the scrimmage on this blustery afternoon. He gave the signals, talked strategy with his assistants and made sure everyone representing his program was in tune with what was going on inside the white lines.

He was in typical Lee Ware form – voicing his concerns to the home plate umpire, waving his hands in frustration on misplayed balls and calling his players by their given nicknames.

When you think Woodstown High School baseball, you immediately think of Lee Ware.

“I’m always excited. I get fired up for every game and every practice,” he says.

No one has done more for this Salem County town when it comes to America’s pastime than its undisputed leader. He’ll tell you it’s just a matter of being around for better than four decades, but it takes more than longevity to become a highly respected coach.

Rumors floating around that this would be his 41st and final season are grossly exaggerated. Ware has no plans of walking away just yet, figuring that maybe he’ll hang it up when longtime assistant and former player Dan “Dapper” Keller is ready to walk away.

Ware took over the program in 1974. He remains as sharp, committed and loyal today as he did when he first put on his uniform as the Woodies’ head coach.

It was the start of something truly very special.

With his next win, Ware will tie legendary coach Russ Spicer for the most career victories in South Jersey history at 603. Spicer, who passed away in December 2009 at the age of 87, coached at Haddonfield, Moorestown, Paulsboro and Cinnaminson.

“Russ was a good friend of mine. I think the world of him,” Ware said.

Entering his 41st season at Woodstown, Lee Ware needs two wins to becoming the winningest coach in South Jersey history

“This just means I’ve been around a long time. But if I’m mentioned in the same breath as Russ Spicer, I’m a happy man.”

Many expected Ware to eclipse the mark last season. But as is the case from year to year, nothing is guaranteed in baseball.

Woodstown had its ups and downs, finishing 12-16 overall.

While it’s been awfully cold and pitchers are still trying to loosen their arms, a new season begins Tuesday. And just like the last 40 opening days, Ware can’t wait to put on his uniform for No. 41.

“I’m ready to go,” he said with a big smile.

You see, Lee Ware is as much a part of Woodstown baseball as Woodstown baseball is a part of him. He always fields a competitive team, one good enough to win a championship here or there, and has earned the respect of everyone around him.

The bottom line is this; Lee Ware has always been a baseball guy. He’s devoted the majority of his life to helping others learn to play the game the right way, and having a ton of fun doing it.

“I get very upset if we don’t play the game the way it’s supposed to be played,” he said.

So you can expect to hear chatter in the dugout, see a bunt in the first inning to move a runner into scoring position.

It’s baseball season and no one enjoys it more than the king of Woodie Ball.

Follow Kevin Minnick on Twitter @cp_varsity

]]>http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/30/baseball-ware-excited-for-another-season/feed/0Baseball: Mike Trout Facts & Figureshttp://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/29/baseball-mike-trout-facts-figures/
http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/2014/03/29/baseball-mike-trout-facts-figures/#commentsSat, 29 Mar 2014 04:22:48 +0000http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/varsityinsider/?p=10025Continue reading →]]>Here's a couple of items passed along by the Los Angeles Angels tonight after Millville native and 2009 Courier-Post Player of the Year Mike Trout signed a six-year, $144.5M contract extension with the American League club.

** After batting .326 in 2012 and .323 in 2013, became just the sixth qualified batter since 1900 to hit at least .320 in both his age-20 and age-21 seasons, joining Ty Cobb (1907-08), Stuffy McInnis (1911-12), Jimmie Foxx (1928-29), Mel Ott (1929-30) and Ted Williams (1939-40).

** Is one of four players all-time to bat .320 with 50 home runs and 200 runs scored in first two full seasons: Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and Albert Pujols.

** For the second straight season, led the Majors in WAR (Wins Above Replacement)...By Fangraphs WAR, his 10.4 WAR in 2013 and his 10.0 WAR 2012 make him the eighth player in MLB history to post 10 WAR in back-to-back seasons, joining Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Rogers Hornsby, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.

** Joined Willie Mays (1957-58) as the only players in MLB history with two seasons of a .320 average, 25 homers and 30 steals at any point in their career.

** Named unanimous winner of the 2012 American League Rookie of Year after batting .326 (182/559) with a Major League leading 129 runs scored, 30 home runs, 83 RBI and 49 stolen bases...Became first player in Major League history to steal 45 bases, score 125 runs and hit 30 home runs in a single season.

** Named the Angels team MVP each of the last two seasons... Elected as a 2012 and 2013 American League All-Star, starting the 2013 contest at Citi Field (NYM).